It’s been an interesting year to say the least for Canucks defenseman/forward/whatever they need him to be Keith Ballard. Through it all I have been an unwavering fan of the guy on the ice and off the ice. His attitude about playing in Vancouver despite frustrations only strengthen my support.

Also, he is hilarious (which goes a long way for me because I love comedy).

So today I was at the Canucks morning skate and I had an opportunity to sit down with Keith and ask him…

“Several Questions”

(yes, I’m aware that may be the lamest segment title ever)

Keith Ballard deals with the interview scrum like a champ. He is articulate, quick-witted and insightful as he mentions being comfortable at forward and that he has played it on/off since he was a kid, just like most of the other guys in the room.

The scrum disperses and I move in to ask him some other questions about tonight’s game that nobody else asked.

j.Bowman: Keith, you got time for a few more?

Keith Ballard: Sure.

jBow: Great. The last few games you’ve been put on forward and have excelled for the Canucks. Say tonight that the unthinkable happens and Luongo/Schneider both go down and Coach says he wants you in net. How do you think you would do?

KB: I’d be awesome.

jBow: Nice. I like your confidence. Which would be your stronger side, stick or glove?

KB: Both.

(Not pictured: A reason for concern)

jBow: The Canucks have been involved in a lot of shootouts this season, and Coach Vigneault seems to love putting Alex Edler in there. I started a social media campaign to get you a spot in the shootout…

KB: (laughs)

jBow: If the team was in the shootout tonight, and your number got called, what would your move be?

KB: I can’t tell you that. What if someone finds out about this? Then they would know what I would do.

jBow: You caught me. I’m a spy from Columbus.

KB: (laughs) See? There you go.

(Shootout selection isn’t democratic…yet!)

jBow: Earlier this season, Sportsnet commentator John Shorthouse referred to you as a “swashbuckler” on the ice-

KB: (laughs) What does that even mean?

jBow: I don’t know, but he definitely said it. Which do you think are cooler: Pirates or astronauts?

KB: Well are we talking fictional pirates or real pirates? Fictional pirates are pretty cool, but real pirates are scum.

jBow: (laughs) Agreed. Definitely fictional.

KB: Okay. Then pirates.

(Remember kids: Real pirates are scum!)

jBow: You guys are playing Columbus tonight, and when they score at home they fire a cannon. Would you like to see the Canucks fans do something similar to add a little panache to goal celebrations?

KB: (thinks)… Just a loud cheer.

(You hear that Columbus? We don’t need siege weapons)

jBow: You have a lot of support on social media such as twitter–

KB: Do I? I’m not a twitter guy.

jBow: No?

KB: Well I don’t like everyone knowing what I’m up to.

jBow: You could have a secret account. How about @BeithKallard?

KB: (laughs) I know Lu and those guys were having fun with it the other night.

jBow: Yeah, they were pretty active. How close were they during their twitter war?

KB: Pretty close.

jBow: Were they all sitting next to each other planning what to tweet?

KB: No, but they were all sitting at the back of the bus.

jBow: Gotcha. Final question, are you playing forward or defense tonight?

KB: I will be playing forward.

jBow: Who are your linemates?

KB: I’m playing with…Burr and… Ebbie(Andrew Ebbett).

jBow: Excellent. Are you excited to be playing forward again?

KB: I am. Are you excited?

jBow: Yes.

KB: Then we’re all set then.

jBow: Awesome. Thanks Keith. Good luck tonight.

KB: Thanks man.

So there you have it Canucks fans. Keith Ballard will be playing forward again tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Not only that, but he is absolutely ready to get in net and dominate (if the situation calls for it) and his top-secret shootout move is all ready to go.

Thanks to Keith Ballard for being an affable, funny dude who was nice enough to answer not just one question…

But several.

You can follow j.Bow on twitter (@jBowmancouver). Anyone out there who thinks real pirates are cool can take a long walk off a short plank into shark infested waters.

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